1. The Two Main Uses of Apostrophes

Apostrophes serve two primary purposes:

• To show possession (who or what something belongs to).
• To indicate contractions (where letters have been removed to shorten words).

Let’s look at each in detail.

2. Showing Possession

When using an apostrophe to show possession, place it before the “s” if the noun is singular, and after the “s” if the noun is plural.

Examples:

• Singular noun:
  • “The cat’s tail was fluffy.” (The tail belongs to one cat.)
• Plural noun:
  • “The cats’ tails were fluffy.” (The tails belong to multiple cats.)

Exception: If a plural noun doesn’t end in “s,” like “children” or “men,” add an apostrophe before the “s” to show possession:

• “The children’s toys were scattered.”
• “The men’s room is over there.”

Important Tip

For names ending in “s” (like “James”), styles can vary:

• “James’s book” is often correct, but “James’ book” is also acceptable in some styles. Check your style guide if you’re following one, but both forms are generally acceptable.

3. Forming Contractions

Apostrophes replace letters when two words are combined into one (contractions). For instance, “cannot” becomes “can’t,” “they are” becomes “they’re,” and “do not” becomes “don’t.”

Examples:

• “I can’t find my keys.” (Short for “I cannot.”)
• “She’s going to the store.” (Short for “She is.”)

A quick trick is to say the contraction as the two original words—if it makes sense, the apostrophe is likely in the correct place!

4. Common Apostrophe Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A. Mixing up “its” and “it’s”

• “Its” shows possession, while “it’s” is a contraction for “it is.”
• Examples:
  • “The dog wagged its tail.” (Possession—belongs to the dog)
  • “It’s raining outside.” (Contraction for “It is raining”)

B. Plurals vs. Possessives

• Don’t use an apostrophe to make words plural. For example, “apple’s” is incorrect for multiple apples. Use “apples” instead.
• Only use an apostrophe if you’re showing possession or forming a contraction.

C. Incorrect use in years and abbreviations

• When writing years or abbreviations, omit the apostrophe unless you are showing possession.
  • “The 1990s were a fun decade.” (No apostrophe needed)
  • “He’s a member of the VIPs.” (Plural, not possessive)

5. Practice Time: Choose the Correct Form

Fill in the blanks with the correct form using or omitting an apostrophe as needed:

1. The _____ (dog’s / dogs) toy was under the couch.
2. I haven’t seen _____ (its / it’s) collar all morning.
3. The _____ (students’ / student’s) books were scattered everywhere.
4. _____ (You’re / Your) the best at solving these grammar questions!
5. There were many _____ (1960’s / 1960s) classics on the playlist.

Answers:

1. The dog’s toy was under the couch.
2. I haven’t seen its collar all morning.
3. The students’ books were scattered everywhere.
4. You’re the best at solving these grammar questions!
5. There were many 1960s classics on the playlist.